What is the Value of an MBA or Master's Degree?

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking about continuing your education with a master’s degree or an MBA. One of the most common questions is “what is the value” of these degrees.

For those who want to advance their career, the benefits of an MBA or specialized master’s degree, specifically at the Carlson School of Management, are numerous. Graduates find more job opportunities, gain the important skills needed in today’s business world, see an increase in earning potential, and much more.

Benefits of an MBA

Increased Job Opportunities
At the most basic level, an MBA can improve your career prospects. Whether you’re looking to move up the corporate ladder or to switch careers or industries altogether, an MBA is a great way to accelerate your career.

At the Carlson School, 95% of Full-Time MBA graduates received employment offers within three months after graduation. Part-Time and Online MBA students at the Carlson School reported a 50 percent increase in salary from the time they started the program to four months after graduation.
 

Expand Your Network
In an MBA classroom, not only will you learn from top-ranked faculty but you’ll also learn from your peers in the classroom. You’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with other professionals as you move through the program.

At the Carlson School, you’ll join an alumni network of more than 60,000 who run businesses both big and small all around the world.
 

Become a Leader
An MBA is a great way to develop hard skills for today’s changing business climate, but the soft skills you learn throughout the program are just as important. Improve your communication skills, your critical thinking, and your strategic thinking in the program—all of which are highly sought-after in leadership positions. 

At the Carlson School, you can take part in our Enterprise Programs, a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity where you’ll work on real projects for real clients. In this work, you’ll apply what you’re learning in the classroom immediately into practice in order to build your skills.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree focuses on one particular field of business, unlike the MBA’s more general business knowledge. Though different, graduates from a master’s degree program see similar benefits.
 

Get an Expertise in a Specific Skill
After your studies, you will be seen as an expert in the chosen field. A master’s degree is a great choice if you’re early in your career and looking for a change or a busy working professional looking to gain more knowledge to become a leader in a specific area of business.

At the Carlson School, you can join one of eight specialty master’s programs, including Business Analytics, Finance, and Supply Chain Management.
 

The Potential to Pivot Careers
Most master’s degrees are open to a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds and education paths. These degrees can be used to break into a new role or industry.

At the Carlson School, programs such as the Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations and Master of Marketing programs are great for students with non-traditional business backgrounds or someone looking to pursue their passion.

Better Hiring Prospects
Much like the MBA, those with specialized master’s degrees are also in high demand. Since their education is in a specific area of business, they find their skills are needed in the job market.

At the Carlson School, many of our specialty master’s degrees boast graduations rates at or above 95%, including Business Analytics, Business Taxation, Finance, and Human Resources and Industrial Relations.